His tenth studio album, K.O.D., was released October 27, 2009. He has spent his illustrious career making sure he’s been grinding harder than the average rapper, and is the best selling artist out of his hometown. With nine solo albums and two powerhouse collaboration projects under his belt, the Kansas City MC’s flow is sharper and slicker than it’s ever been.
“This is another roller coaster ride,” explains TECH N9NE about the release. “When it came time for Sickology 101, I knew I wanted to do a collabo album based on the study of being sick. It’s a beginner’s course for people who don’t know how to be sick lyrically or how to choose sick beats. It all starts with beats because they tell me exactly what to do.” Epic beats from YoungFyre, Wyshmaster, Seven and Matic Lee set the stage for TECH N9NE to weave his introspective and sometimes roguish lyrics around.
Sickology 101 brims with stellar appearances from lyrical heavyweights. On the opening title track, TECH N9NE slays alongside Chino XL and Crooked I, pulling listeners into the Hip-Hop classroom for a lesson in murdering a beat. It’s a twisted vision forged on undeniable grooves and quixotic wordplay.
The single, “Nothin,’” is an inspiring, honest anthem that features Messy Marv and Big Scoob. Meanwhile, on “Midwest Choppers 2,” TECH N9NE and Krayzie Bone cruise to the depths of darkness. “Krayzie Bone came through and murdered it,” says TECH N9NE. “I modeled the song after movies. When you do a sequel, there has to be a bigger body count and more people have to die. ‘Midwest Choppers 2’ is Autobahn-style. It makes you want to speed.”
TECH N9NE’s inimitable flow and rhyming take center stage on solo tracks, including the haunting, hypnotic “Red Nose.” He doesn’t pull any punches on the vitriolic, YoungFyre-produced “Blown Away,” either. It’s an open letter to several prominent urban artists who refused to play before him at radio festivals despite his massive concert draw.
With hits like “I’m A Playa,” “Caribou Lou” (which boasts 7.2 million MySpace plays), “Riotmaker,” “Like Yeah” and “Everybody Move,” it’s no wonder TECH N9NE counts a total of over 4.5 million YouTube video plays and an average of 40,000 MySpace visitors each day. His success knows no limits. The July 2008 release, Killer, debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart and Number 12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. He did it all on his own. There was no major label — just TECH N9NE’s own record company, Strange Music. TECH N9NE’s tracks have appeared in films like Gang Related and Alpha Dog as well as various TV shows, and he recently made his motion picture debut in The Life of Lucky Cucumber alongside members of MTV’s “Jackass” crew.
It hasn’t been an easy road, but TECH N9NE soldiers on and he’ll never stop. “They call me devil worshipper because I’m different. I give you music for my core. They’re the people that put me over the million mark. I raise my middle finger to everybody who judges me because my core audience is there for me. They will always love me, but I’m trying to reach others, too. It’s not over. My music is supposed to be for everybody, but some people just don’t get it. This album is the result; swallow it. It’s middle finger music, all-day and all-night.”
TECH N9NE never stops bringing that music directly to his fans, constantly reinforcing his status as one of the hardest-touring rap acts in the business. In 2008, TECH N9NE performed over 200 shows and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down in 2009. In April, TECH will head out in support of Sickology 101 and spend two months on the road, performing live for his rabid fans.
Sickology 101 is prepping the world for TECH N9NE’s next masterpiece, K.O.D. “I want people to know that I’m getting better and better and I’m a machine. I do these collabo albums to give the fans more. This is a bridge record to K.O.D. It’s the farewell to the TECH N9NE you’ve known lately. It’s getting darker. A lot of people might not be able to go to the place I’m going, but this place is my specialty.”
“I don’t need people to kiss my hand,” assures TECH N9NE. “I’m not trippin’ on status, and I’m not a narcissist when it comes to rap. It’s my heart and soul pouring onto the paper. I write my life and I can’t hold back. This is what I know.”
Origin: Kansas City, Missouri
Year Formed: 1991
Official Site: http://www.therealtechn9ne.com/
On The Outside
Tech N9ne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why award shows never calling me
Was not enough to hold the T down
'Cause I'm constantly chopping broccoli
They don't owe me no apology
I'm balling getting nightly neurology
Even though I got the lottery now
Ain't no thought of me, I do not agree
Staring at platinum and gold plaques
"Fragile", "Hood Go Crazy", "Caribou Lou", gold stacked
'Cause ain't nobody ever said that Tecca N9na flow wack
And that's the reason for babies' mamas, no cap
I read somewhere I had the most Top 10's on the Billboard rap charts
When you kill more, stacks start
I'm a mill grower at heart
And I led my people to the bread I teach you I'm a real lord, that part
I got the ill for a fact, art
But wait a minute
If you look up T9 history, yo the data's in it
In the gang we Strange and the gain big things because we play to win it
But to some, my shit seems invisible is the only way to spin it
Kinda like some 'op wanna play me out like I'm Sega Genes-is this stopping us?
Hell nah, got a lot of fans watching us
Saying God to us
But if Strange came through the window pane of the mainstream's oculus
It'll leave a lot of rappers with their mouth wide
Like the ring when people with the TV route died
I'm without cries
Because me and my partner built an empire and we did it on the outside
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
On the outside
And when I'm home from getting it
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
On the outside
Here I come now
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
On the outside
And when I'm home from getting it
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
On the outside
Here I come now
I get guap still
Even though people are not real
When it come to who got skill
Some just want a nigga pop pills
I done did it, I'll fly tongue spit it
Y'all eye swung hit a ball, drop deals
Started my own and stocked mills
But I kinda sense that blocked feel
Very little radio and TV time
That's what the outside mean when I free these lines
Like somebody determined to never see me shine
Completely deep inside, I know they really dying to meet me
To be a household name like Snoop, really would feel like felicity
But I think it takes a bit of a brighter image and enough of the right publicity
So as I sit and peep
Award shows like I'm a forbidden geek
Ignored so 'cause I love for living deep
With the lord flows, through the blood of risen chiefs
I love to see, all of my peers getting their credit
Through all of my years
Of eating the mic, I just swallow my fears
When beating this fight, never call on my tears
Even though so many cry over Yates
The music business treat me like I'm a flyover state
But I work this glow, merk this flow
Never been a day my clout died
Tech N9na, Strange Music
Built that thing on the outside
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
On the outside
And when I'm home from getting it
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
On the outside
Here I come now
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
On the outside
And when I'm home from getting it
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
On the outside
Here I come now
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
Here I come baby
I'm coming to get ya
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
And it's such a beautiful picture
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
All year round, all day and night
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
No worries, everything's gonna be alright
On the outside
In the first verse, Tech N9ne expresses his frustration with award shows not recognizing his talent and success, but he doesn't let that bother him. He mentions his ability to constantly produce music (chopping broccoli) and his nightly neurology, meaning he's always working on his craft. Despite not receiving recognition, he doesn't feel owed an apology or need validation because he's already successful and financially well-off.
In the next part, Tech N9ne reflects on his achievements, including the platinum and gold plaques he's earned for songs like "Fragile," "Hood Go Crazy," and "Caribou Lou." He believes his flow is top-notch and credits it for his successes, even leading to situations where he has children with different mothers. He mentions having the most Top 10 hits on the Billboard rap charts, which solidifies his status as a successful artist. He sees himself as a leader, guiding his people to success and providing for them, giving himself the title of a "real lord."
Tech N9ne then explains that while some may consider his music and impact in the industry invisible or underrated, it hasn't stopped him or his label Strange Music from achieving great things. He references the mainstream's "oculus" or dominant position and suggests that if Strange Music were to break through and gain mainstream recognition, it would shock and leave a lot of other rappers speechless. He mentions the loss of fans when the mainstream takes over, comparing it to the disappearance of people's attention when TV signals are lost. Despite the challenges, Tech N9ne and his partner have built an empire outside of the mainstream and found success on their own terms.
In the third verse, Tech N9ne asserts his ability to make money (guap) regardless of others not being genuine or supportive. He acknowledges that some people may only be interested in him if he conforms to certain expectations or if he promotes drug use. He emphasizes his skills and accomplishments, being able to freestyle and deliver powerful verses that captivate his audience. He acknowledges the lack of radio and TV exposure, which is what he means by "the outside," but he sees it as an opportunity to express himself freely through his music. He mentions being ignored but finds solace in his passion for creating meaningful and introspective music. Despite the lack of recognition, he remains dedicated to his craft and doesn't let the limitations of the music industry bring him down.
In the fourth verse, Tech N9ne continues to address the dichotomy between his aspirations for mainstream success and the realities of the music industry. He mentions how he desires to be a household name like Snoop Dogg but acknowledges that it takes a certain image and the right publicity to achieve that level of recognition. Despite feeling ignored by award shows and not receiving the same level of credit as his peers, Tech N9ne remains optimistic. He believes that through his years of hard work and dedication, he will eventually receive the recognition he deserves. He mentions the music industry treating him like a "flyover state," which is a term used to describe regions of the United States that are often overlooked. Despite this treatment, Tech N9ne has built his success and label Strange Music from the ground up, thriving outside of the mainstream.
Line by Line Meaning
It really used to bother me
I was genuinely bothered by this
Why award shows never calling me
I wondered why award shows never recognized me
Was not enough to hold the T down
Despite the challenges, I remained resilient
'Cause I'm constantly chopping broccoli
I'm always working hard and staying busy
They don't owe me no apology
I don't expect them to apologize
I'm balling getting nightly neurology
I'm successful and making a good living
Even though I got the lottery now
Despite my success, I don't feel entitled
Ain't no thought of me, I do not agree
I don't agree with people not acknowledging me
Staring at platinum and gold plaques
Seeing my achievements displayed as plaques
"Fragile", "Hood Go Crazy", "Caribou Lou", gold stacked
Those are my hit songs that achieved gold status
'Cause ain't nobody ever said that Tecca N9na flow wack
No one has criticized my unique flow
And that's the reason for babies' mamas, no cap
That's why I have so many children and their mothers
I read somewhere I had the most Top 10's on the Billboard rap charts
I saw that I hold a record for the most Top 10 hits on the Billboard rap charts
When you kill more, stacks start
When you achieve more success, the money starts piling up
I'm a mill grower at heart
I have a natural talent for building businesses and making money
And I led my people to the bread I teach you I'm a real lord, that part
I have guided my team to financial success, proving I'm a true leader
I got the ill for a fact, art
I possess incredible talent and skills in my craft
But wait a minute
Hold on, there's more to say
If you look up T9 history, yo the data's in it
If you research my history, you'll find all the facts
In the gang we Strange and the gain big things because we play to win it
In our group, Strange Music, we strive for success and achieve great things
But to some, my shit seems invisible is the only way to spin it
However, some people choose to ignore my accomplishments
Kinda like some 'op wanna play me out like I'm Sega Genes-is this stopping us?
Similar to someone trying to undermine my success, like playing against me in a video game
Hell nah, got a lot of fans watching us
No way, I have a large fan base supporting me
Saying God to us
They're expressing their admiration and respect for us
But if Strange came through the window pane of the mainstream's oculus
If my record label, Strange Music, became mainstream and dominant
It'll leave a lot of rappers with their mouth wide
It would surprise many other rappers
Like the ring when people with the TV route died
Similar to the shock caused by a famous TV personality's death
I'm without cries
I'm not worried or bothered
Because me and my partner built an empire and we did it on the outside
My business partner and I have successfully built an empire without conforming to mainstream norms and influences
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
I earn a significant amount of money
And when I'm home from getting it
And when I return home from making money
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
I simply observe and reflect
Here I come now
Now I'm ready to make my move
I get guap still
I continue to earn money
Even though people are not real
Despite facing fake individuals
When it come to who got skill
When it comes to talent and skill
Some just want a nigga pop pills
Some people only want to see me use drugs
I done did it, I'll fly tongue spit it
I have already achieved success and I rap with skill
Y'all eye swung hit a ball, drop deals
Others envy my success and try to bring me down
Started my own and stocked mills
I started my own business and accumulated wealth
But I kinda sense that blocked feel
However, I can sense some obstacles in my path
Very little radio and TV time
I receive limited airtime on radio and television
That's what the outside mean when I free these lines
That's the meaning of being on the outside when I express myself through my lyrics
Like somebody determined to never see me shine
It's as if someone is intentionally trying to prevent my success
Completely deep inside, I know they really dying to meet me
Deep down, I know they actually want to meet and know me
To be a household name like Snoop, really would feel like felicity
Being as famous as Snoop Dogg would bring great happiness
But I think it takes a bit of a brighter image and enough of the right publicity
However, I believe it requires a more positive image and effective promotion
So as I sit and peep
As I observe and analyze
Award shows like I'm a forbidden geek
Award shows ignore me like I'm an outcast
Ignored so 'cause I love for living deep
I'm overlooked because I express my emotions and inner thoughts deeply
With the lord flows, through the blood of risen chiefs
With my divine rap skills, passed down from influential leaders
I love to see, all of my peers getting their credit
I genuinely enjoy seeing my fellow artists receive recognition
Through all of my years
Throughout my entire career
Of eating the mic, I just swallow my fears
Even though I face challenges, I suppress my fears
When beating this fight, never call on my tears
When overcoming this struggle, I don't rely on tears
Even though so many cry over Yates
Although many people mourn my hardships
The music business treat me like I'm a flyover state
The music industry disregards me as if I'm unimportant
But I work this glow, merk this flow
However, I excel in my unique style and flow
Never been a day my clout died
My influence and reputation have never diminished
Tech N9na, Strange Music
I am Tech N9ne, associated with Strange Music
Built that thing on the outside
We built our empire and label from outside the mainstream
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
I continue to earn a significant amount of money
And when I'm home from getting it
And when I return home from making money
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
I simply observe and reflect
Here I come now
Now I'm ready to make my move
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
I earn a significant amount of money
And when I'm home from getting it
And when I return home from making money
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
I simply observe and reflect
Here I come now
Now I'm ready to make my move
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
I earn a significant amount of money
Here I come baby
I'm coming now
I'm coming to get ya
I'm coming to achieve success
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
I simply observe and reflect
And it's such a beautiful picture
And the result is something incredible
I get guap, I get guap, I get guap
I earn a significant amount of money
All year round, all day and night
Consistently, every day and night
I just watch, I just watch, I just watch
I simply observe and reflect
No worries, everything's gonna be alright
I have no concerns, everything will be fine
On the outside
From my position outside the mainstream
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Aaron D. Yates, Michael Summers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pinnacle Skills
I wish more rappers would put the level of effort Tech and the whole of Strange do into their craft ^S^
Bruce Jackson
Eminem
TCB *
@L & N Pau-Tusi you think tech does this shit for free lol
Michael Menté
@Chriz Merk I got you brosiah💪🏼💪🏼
Anthony Ferlito
Pinnacle Skills strange is a needle in a haystack
L & N Pau-Tusi
Rappers nowadays just want the money they don’t care about the craft. 🤙🏽
Summer Haddad
That old school vibin'! Love it!
diné blaze420
Strange land 🖤🤟🏾
FULL TIME NEEDS TO BE 30 HOURS
Now this is a strange song. Nobody is making music like this. Favorite track on the EP. Really loving this EP.
Falkoa
I swear, we're getting blessed, getting a tech song everyday, BOYYYYY